Connection to culture is care
IFYS acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have a fundamental right to grow up connected to family, community, Country and culture.
Foster and kinship care
Kinship care is when a child lives with a relative or someone from their community they already know and trust. Foster care is when a child lives with an approved carer who is not part of their existing family or community. Wherever possible, IFYS works with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to find kinship carers first, and to keep siblings together.
We are particularly keen to hear from First Nations people who may be considering becoming a foster or kinship carer. Cultural connection is not an optional extra — it is part of every child’s wellbeing and identity.
Our commitments
- Prioritising placements with family, kin and community in line with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle.
- Supporting carers with cultural support plans for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child in our care.
- Partnering with local Indigenous community-controlled organisations to strengthen cultural identity and connection.
- Listening to, and being guided by, the voices of First Nations children, carers and Elders.
How you can help
Whether you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person thinking about caring for a child from your community, or a non-Indigenous person who is willing to actively support a child’s cultural identity, we’d love to hear from you.